Friday, January 19, 2018

While the preliminary January reading for the Sentiment
Index was largely unchanged from last month (-1.5%), consumers evaluated
current economic conditions less favorably (-4.6%). This small decrease in
current conditions produced a small overall decline. Importantly, the survey
recorded persistent strength in personal finances and buying plans, while
favorable levels of buying conditions for household durables have receded to
preholiday levels in early January, largely due to less attractive pricing.